Who knew 17 years could go so fast? By the time it takes to send a kid to college, I’ve been toiling, mostly joyfully, at the Chronicle and SFGate.com. I am headed to KNBR 680-AM, where I will also be making radio appearances and occasionally filling in as a co-host and continuing as part of …

Before the 2011 NFL draft, plenty of coaches, general managers and draftniks said Auburn quarterback Cam Newton, the future No. 1 pick, had a “high ceiling” and a “rare skill set” and “all the talent in the world.” …

But Wright, a second-round pick in 2007 with 81 career starts, is a candidate to eventually carve out a substantial role on defense. He doesn’t figure to unseat starters Tarell Brown and Carlos Rogers, both of whom are having solid seasons for a pass defense that ranks eighth in the NFL, but he could push Brock. …

Crabtree, who became the first 49ers’ pass-catcher since 2003 to collect 1,000 receiving yards last year, could be added to 53-man roster at any time before Nov. 26. Last month, Jim Harbaugh said Crabtree could be ready to play by as a soon as mid-November. The 49ers visit the Saints on Nov. 17, travel to meet Washington on Nov. 25 and, of course, host the Seahawks on Dec. 8. …